Buffalo, NY – May 2026

The Buffalo Bills may not be finished strengthening their defense ahead of another Super Bowl push.

After aggressively reshaping the roster this offseason, Buffalo still appears focused on solving one lingering issue at linebacker.

According to league buzz, the Bills are negotiating with veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner about a potential short-term contract.

Buffalo currently projects Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard as its starting off-ball linebackers entering 2026.

However, concerns remain about the unit’s physicality and consistency defending the run against elite AFC opponents.

That is where Wagner could immediately make an impact despite entering his 15th NFL season.

Last year with the Washington Commanders, Wagner recorded 162 tackles and two interceptions while continuing to anchor the middle of the defense.

Although his coverage ability has declined with age, he remains one of the league’s smartest and most reliable run defenders.

Internally, Buffalo reportedly views Wagner as a veteran capable of stabilizing the defense while allowing Bernard to play a more flexible role.

The Bills are also believed to value Wagner’s leadership and postseason experience inside a locker room built around winning now.

Financially, the move could remain realistic if both sides agree to a lower-cost veteran deal near the projected $7.6 million range.

For Buffalo, adding Wagner would represent another aggressive win-now move centered around maximizing the championship window of Josh Allen.

And with training camp approaching quickly, the Bills may not want to leave their biggest defensive concern unanswered much longer.

Stay tuned to ESPN.